Nigeria has officially declared its intention to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja. The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) announced the bid following an executive committee meeting held on April 3 in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement released by NOC’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, the committee emphasised that the bid is contingent upon securing the backing of the Federal Government. Nezianya described the opportunity as a strategic platform for showcasing Nigeria’s progress in national development, enhancing its global image, and promoting sports culture across the country.
He further noted that hosting the Games would reflect Nigeria’s growth, elevate its international status, and inspire a new generation of athletes. The NOC highlighted Nigeria’s successful hosting of the 8th All-Africa Games in Abuja in 2003 as evidence of its capacity to manage large-scale sporting events.
The proposed bid is expected to drive significant investment in sports infrastructure, particularly in Abuja. The NOC stated that such development would not only revitalise the sports sector but also leave a legacy of world-class facilities for future generations.
In addition to infrastructure, the bid promises economic and social benefits. An influx of international visitors is anticipated to boost local businesses and the hospitality sector, while the event’s planning and execution would create employment opportunities and enhance technical and organisational skills within the workforce.
The NOC said the bid aims to present Nigeria as a nation that values excellence in sports, inclusivity, peace, and cultural diversity.
The next Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from March 17 to 29, 2026. Glasgow previously hosted the event in 2014, the same year Nigeria submitted a bid but lost to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Meanwhile, Africa will host the Youth Olympic Games for the first time when Dakar, Senegal, welcomes athletes from October 31 to November 13, 2026. Other major upcoming events include the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina (February 2027), the African Beach Games in Equatorial Guinea (2027), the 14th African Games in Egypt (January–February 2027), and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
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